Fallen Heroes of Operation Enduring Freedom

"hey brother. i miss you to this day ! i ust found your helmet strap from that helmet i gave you before you left to go to afghan your awlays in my heart brother!"
SGT Guiste of orlando fl

"I can't believe it has been nine years. I think about you every day. You were a great friend. We will meet again in Heaven some day and I am looking forward to it. Rest easy sky soldier."
Tim Smith of Houston, TX

"As I read through the messages left by friends, family, and military family I could not stop the tears. I also served in OIF/OEF. I was with the 172nd MedLog Battalion from Ogden UT. I wish I could have known Michael, though I do feel like I might have known him. In late June 2013 I bought a 2006 Ford Mustang with the most awesome paint job I have ever seen. It is because of that car that I found this sight, and have tried to find out as much about Michael that I can. I know that when I am in that car he rides beside me. To Michaels' family "Thank You" you gave our country a hero, one that made the ultimate sacrifice. "To Our Military Hero's We're Proud Of You""
Seth Hamblin of Lyman, WY USA

"I have been reflecting on my time in the Army recently and of course that made me thing of Mike. I had the pleasure of serving with him at two different duty stations. We were in Iraq together out of Fort Bragg in D Co. 1/325 and then we both jumped on the chance to re-enlist for Italy and even ended up in the same company in 2/503. I have so many great memories but one I'll always remember flying around Vicenza in that hopped up Lancer, I could hear it pulling up to my house from blocks away, he was so proud of that car but as much as it meant to him he still let me drive it a couple of times. That is the kind of guy he was, just a great friend, always wanting to put a smile on people's faces. I can't believe it has been almost 8 years. To Mike's family, it was an honor not just to serve with your son but also to have him as a friend. He will always be loved and missed. Thank you for your sacrifice."
Tim Smith of Houston, TX

"I think my fondest Memory of you is how good of a sport you were. You'd get knocked down, and keep getting back up with a smile. It is an honor to say that served the same unit as you."
Hannon of Lawrence, KS

"Mike, a few weeks ago we hit our 11 year mark in the Army. I wish you were here so we could celebrate together."
SFC Speed, Gary of Campbell

"I don't know Mikey but ran across this on google, Im praying for you (the family) tonight. I want to thank you for your sons service to our nation and know that I am praying for you, may god bless."
Erin Elizabeth of Elementary Teacher, NC

"Hey buddy. I know its been a while since we hung out bro. I miss you man. Not a day goes by that something just pops out and reminds me of you bro. Remember our times in the barracks, at Wylies house, and in Iraq dude! Youre the man and we all miss you bro. I hope youre doing good where ever you are. I'll always remember our days on D34. Youre picture will always hang on my wall. Talk to you later man."
SSG Brito, Ashley of Ft Bragg, NC (Iraq for now)

"Always thinking of you. Man in 3 months it'll be 10 years we've served this country. I often tell stories about us, our days at basic, AIT, and Bragg...never a dull moment with you.
SFC Speed Gary"
Gary Speed of Campbell, Ky

"TODAY,TOMORROW AND FOREVER!
SO MUCH HAS HAPPENED SINCE THIS CRAZY WAR BEGAN.
SO MUCH PAIN AND SUFFERING FROM THE HANDS OF MAN.
MEN ARE BEING KILLED AND MOURNERS BEGIN TO CRY.
SO MUCH HATE FOR ONE ANOTHER AND NO ONE KNOWS EXACTLY WHY.
FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE SO OFTEN HERE LEFT BEHIND.
LEANING ON EACH OTHER FOR THE SUPPORT AND COMFORT
THEY EACH MUST FIND.
OTHERS HEARTS GRIEVE VERY MUCH THE SAME AS MINE.
KNOWING THAT THIS PAIN WILL LAST TILL THE END OF TIME.
THE MEMORIES OF OUR YESTERDAY ARE HERE FOR US TO USE.
TO KEEP THEM IN OUR HEARTS AND MINDS AND HELP US MAKE IT THROUGH.
THINKING OF THEM OFTEN AND TELLING STORIES FROM THIER PAST.
ENSURES THAT FOR TODAY,TOMORROW AND FOREVER THIER LEGACY WILL LAST.
GOD BLESS THE STATES OF AMERICA
LOVE YOU ALL! CYNTHIA LYNN COLEMAN"
c coleman of tpam, fl.

"I will always
keep you in my heart! your unselfish attiude has given me a whole new attitude toward life! thank you!"
c coleman of tpam, fl.

"Your service and sacrifice to the defense of our nation is sincerely appreciated. May God comfort you in this time of loss."
Donald Moyle of Layton, Utah

"Lehmiller, still think about you. Michael epitomized "personality" and we arrived to D Co. at Ft. Bragg on the same day. It was an honor to have known and served with him."
Damon G. of California

"Bro, It seem so soon that I had to find out this way but you'll be missed.

SGT Golo.

Loving the hunt..."

"Hey brother! I am thinking about you and missing you. It seems like yesterday that we were buffing floors at Fort Gordon...running up and down the streets at Fort Bragg. We had a lot of good times. Your in my thoughts."
SSG Speed, Gary of Fort Bragg

"October 8, 2007
To the family of Sgt. Michael R. Lehmiller:
Michael gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org"
Peggy of Nevada

"Mike i will always remember u as a person who could turn something bad into something GREAT! No matter what i happen i always and 4-ever will look up to u. Much love your cuz David. p.s one day long away we will meet on the other side with a BEER!!!"
Davia of Seffner,FL

"mikey! i love you to death.! we all miss you so much! and i just want to say thanks for the support to evertone that has knowen mikey and gave us... his family the best of wishes. he willl be missed dearly and we will never forget you there is a big spot in my heart that has your name written all over it and makes me think before i go and do stupid idoit things! ..
i love you cus!"
jeannie of tampa,florida,US

"Mikey all those times we partied together and all the trobule we got in to I always had your back and you had mine. Love you like a Brother."
Ramon Gomez of California

"To Mike's family and loved ones: I have had the honor of serving with some of the bravest men in the world one that sticks out amongst the others is Mikey. That man was always in a good mood and had a magical way of infecting others with his great attitude, it was truely a blessing to be his friend. He had a big heart and was always reaching out to others especially new guys. He always made sure to make others feel welcome when others were to proud to let new people in their click. Mike was a great friend, soldier, and to some of us a brother. God bless you, and God bless Mikey."
Justin M. Shobe of Hope Mills, North Carolina/ USA

"Mike..it seems like yesterday we was in Basic Training...I remember them days so easy. AIT was a blast, you made bad times turn into good times so easy. We had a lot of good times, from ft gordon to ft bragg. It was a pleasure to know you. Thanks for taking to you meet you parents in SC..thanks for so much. You will never beforgotten...Airborne..ATW! SSG Speed, Gary (502)472-5036"
SSG Speed of Fort Bragg

"As we enjoy the liberties of this great nation, we must also shoulder the burden of her defense. Our heroes and our veterans indeed shouldered their share of that burden. Some to the point of ultimate sacrifice.Their service to this country can never be forgotten, for a country who forgets it's defenders, will it self soon be forgotten. To our veterans this is not just a job, it's their belief and their commitment to us here at home. They ask nothing in return, not wealth, not power, not fame... to them protecting America is a privilege, an honor, a solemn duty that is passed like a torch from their parents and grandparents before them. When I think of our heroes I am reminded of the 3rd verse of America the beautiful. It reads, o' beautiful for heroes prov'd.. in liberating strife, who more than self their country loved... and mercy more than life. As our heroes lose their lives in defending America, they bestow upon us a duty. It is a duty which we did not ask for, it is a duty we owe to them on behalf of a grateful nation, it is a duty filled with sorrow and pride. This duty is to be the guardians of their honor and the builders of their monuments. For we will be looked upon and judged by future generations as to how we honor our heroes and defenders. Be proud of the heroes who protect us all, never let what they'v done be short changed by politics and sefishness.We owe them everything, find your way to support them and always remember our heroes.

I want to thank everyone who has taken time to leave a message for mike and all of our fallen. our belief in doing the right thing will see us through."
Gold Star Dad Bob Lehmiller of clearfield ut.

"I served with lehmiller in Ft. Bragg for a short while. I got out of the army days after he and the rest of the unit left for iraq. He was a great guy. He learned the weapons easily. I had the pleasure of helping to teach him a few of the weapons at our unit. I was heartbroken to find that a great soldier and even better friend had died in service. This was truly a great loss and my condolences go out to his family."
Matt Hibbard of Pryor, Oklahoma

"To the family of Michael R. Lehmiller. My name is Michael Sparks. I used to live down the hall from Lehmiller in the Delta Company barracks on Fort Bragg. I really loved Michael because he was such a friendly guy. He was the type of guy who wouldn't mind if you knocked on his door late at night to borrow something. By just looking at him, you couldn't help but love him. Another reason I loved him was because of how he treated other soldiers when his girlfriend came to visit. He would always let other soldiers come into his room to hang out and talk whenever she was around. He never got jealous. I was thankful for that because there were never many girls who came to visit the barracks and Michael understood that, so he let us be around her and he wouldn't kick us out. Thank you Michael for the rare treat of being around a nice girl. He always walked with a swagger and he loved being a soldier. I am really grateful that I had a chance to know him. He was an awesome guy. Sincerely, Sgt. Sparks. mwsparks@gmail.com I would love to hear from you, his family, to know how you are doing."
Michael Sparks of Austin, TX, USA

"Michael,
I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country-not just in OEF, but also for your service in Iraq as well. And to your family, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

"Airborne All The Way!"

"To the family of:Michael R. Lehmiller I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. My heart cries out for you in your grief and you have my thoughts and prayers. He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Prayerfully we will all meet in Heaven one day where we will rest in the arms of Jesus. If you need prayer or need someone to talk to, please call or write my pastor: Rev. John Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015. Your friend in Jesus Christ, Polly Ballew Covington,Ga"

"My deepest condolences to the parents and loved ones of SGT. Michael R. Lehmiller. I had the true honor and privledge of being Michaels' squad leader in AT3 Dco 1\325 AIR 82nd Airborne during Oeration Iraqi Freedom. He was my brother in arms and heart he is sorely missed by many. I remeber his unique style and smile. He was one of the most up beat and unbreakable men I have ever had the Honor of serving with. He always awnsered with "Roger that SGT". I am sorry that I could not be there to protect your son like I was in Iraq. Know that your son is and always will be a hero to me. In closing I would like to say to him "Airborne Lehmiller carry on troop, carry on.""
(SGT) Michael Aronhalt of Columbus, IN

"I loved Michael so much. Mikey is my cusin and everytime we were together he made me laugh and he showed me how to have a great time all the time he never had a frown it was always a smile and there didnt even have to be a reason. He was a very important person in my life and i love him dearly. And MIss him"
Darrica of Greenwood, SC

"As a mom of five young children, I am so grateful for the sacrifice of this brave solder Michael R. Lehmiller. You are loved by many. Words can not express the emotion. He payed the ultimate price for our freedom and the freedom of so many other people who suffered under the rule of Sadaam. May God be with his family in this time of sorrow and may you find comfort in the fact that we think about Michael's sacrifice for the love of his country. May we NEVER forget! Thank you!"
Jill hughes of Houston TX

"I commanded your son in the 82nd during Operation Iraq Freedom, and would to send my condolences for you loss. Your son was an oustanding soldier and young man. I knew that if I ever needed to see a smile from one of my soldiers it was going to be from him. He truly lifted everyone one up who was around him. Again I am very sorry for you loss and am thankful for being able to have known your son and to have commanded him.

Sincerly,

Major Rob Boone
Former Commander of Delta Company
1st Battalion 325th AIR"
Rob Boone of Orlando, Florida

"To the Michael Lehmiller's Family:
Again the Lord has taken one of his soldiers home...It is always an honor to have served with those heroes who give up their lives for their country. I went to airborne school(with then PV2 Lehmiller) and was assigned to the 82nd ABN Div like him. I used to see SGT Lehmiller on large brigade jumps and we would always chat for a while(seeing who had more jumps :-) When we deployed to Iraq, he used to ride the .50 cal and I would see him at Camp Falcon. Again, a pleasure to talk to. It disheartened me to learn that he lost his life in Afghanistan. But, he was a paratrooper and consumate soldier and I will never forget him. May God bless his family and try to ease the suffering I know that they must feel..."
SFC Davis of Ft. Bragg, NC

"TO THE LEHMILLER FAMILY FROM THE WAHL FAMILY. WE LOST OUR SON SGT. GREGORY L. WAHL. LAST YEAR IN BALAD, IRAQ. MICHAEL THANKS FOR BEING A MILITARY BROTHER OF OUR SON AND ALL THE SOLDIER'S FAMILIES. YOU MADE OUR WORRIES GO AWAY. FOR WE KNEW YOU ALL BE PROTECTING ONE ANOTHER. YOU MICHAEL HAVE TOUCHED THE HEARTS OF SO MANY. ALL THOSE THAT YPOU HAVE HOLD SPECIAL MEMORIES YOU SHARED. THAT YOU WILL NEVER EVER BE FORGOTTEN. AS YOU ARE BEING REMEMBERED TODAY, TOMORROW AND FOREVER! MY GOOD FRIEND MR. MOE FLECTHER LOST HIS SON JACOB. JACOB WAS APART OF YOUR SON'S UNIT. PLEASE CONTACT HIM 516-889-2203! MICHAEL MY PRAYS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY."
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

"To Mike's family, I would like to express my deepest condolences. I was Mike's driver from AT3 D Co. 1/325 when he was in Iraq. I'll always remember Mike's dedicated service and patriotism."
CDT Andrew Beckwith of West Point, NY

"hey i dunno who mikey was but anyone who gives up their life for country is a hero in my book..the angels welcome u with open arms ,may u rest in peace"
ron emmanuel of saint lucia

"TO THE FAMILY OF MICHAEL LEHMILLER, I SEND MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES.YOUR SOLDIER'S BRAVERY WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN. I KNOW YOUR PAIN AS MY OWN SON WAS LOST IN AFGHANISTAN ON SEPTEMBER 20, 2004.IF THERE IS ANYTHING I CAN DO TO HELP YOU THROUGH THIS, PLEASE EMAIL ME AND I WILL BE GLAD TO DO WHAT I CAN. WORDS CAN NEVER EXPRESS THE SORROW I FEEL AS ANOTHER ONE OF OUR FINEST IS LOST.MAY GOD STRENGTHEN YOU THROUGH THIS MOST DIFFICULT TIME.
TERRY A. WARD
MOTHER OF SSG. TONY B.OLAES
KIA AFGHANISTAN
SEPTEMBER 20, 2005
NINNY9@BELLSOUTH.NET"
TERRY A. WARD of WESTMINSTER, S.C.

"I am very thankful that your son was such a brave individual. He always will be remembered, as his sacrifice was the most honorable which could ever be made. We can only grieve alongside the family. May God bless and comfort you."
Daniel Eades of Greenville, SC USA

"To the Lehmiller Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Your Michael has helped to prevent another 9/11. Michael is a true American Hero who will always be remembered and honored. We are praying for you all. May God Bless you all and God Bless Michael."
Mary Ghaney of Brooklyn, New York

"We Will NEVER FORGET !"
Please KNOW so many people share your sadness,
and we are remembering your family in your loss and your deep grief.
Our nations HERO, Michael will be remembered by name.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
God Bless you ALWAYS.
Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"To Michael's Family and Friends:

On behalf of the Blanco-Caldas family, we send our sincerest condolences. We share the same loss ... the same pain. Our son returned safely from Afghanistan, only to lose his life in Iraq. Our prayers are with you in this most difficult time and we thank you for your soldier's bravery and sacrifice. Our sons are true heroes!

By His Grace,

Gloria Caldas
Proud Mother of Fallen Hero
Capt. Ernesto "The Big Ern" Blanco-Caldas
82nd Airborne, KIA Iraq 12/28/2003
San Antonio, Texas
gcaldas48@aol.com"

"Thank you Michael Lehmiller, you will not be forgotten. Your bravery goes beyond words. I want to express my deepest gratitude for your sacrifice. To the family and friends, my prayers and deep condolences in your loss. May God strengthen you from knowing that fellow Americans and people around the world care about you and grieve with you in your loss. God bless you all. A very appreciative fellow American,"
Leo Titus of Grayslake, Illinios

"To the family and friends of Sgt. Michael Lehmiller:
May God's grace be with you during your time of grief. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and we feel your loss and share in your sorrow. Bless Michael for the sacrifice he has made to make a better life for the rest of us."
The Ford Family of Wells, Nevada

"To the family and friends of Sgt. Michael Lehmiller:
I am saddened by the loss of your loved one. He will always be remembered as a hero for fighting for freedom. I hope that this website will be a source of comfort and encouragement for you during this difficult time, and in the future as you recall the memories of Michael, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia